Kisumu youth down tools as NYS project payments delay

Hundreds on youths attached to the National Youth Service slum-upgrading project in Kisumu on Wednesday staged a demo in protest against delayed pay.

The youth working in Manyatta stormed Kisumu Central Constituency office to express their anger over the delayed payments.

Carrying pangas, spades, twigs, shovels and axes among other tools of trade, the demonstrating youth marched from Manyatta through Kondele estates to Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura’s office at Tom Mboya Estate.

The youth, who were chanting slogans outside Mr Obura’s office, asked the government to come to their rescue.

Through their chairman Bernard Odhiambo, they said they had worked for a record six weeks without pay.

“We are usually paid Sh 1,648 less Sh141 that is deducted daily for Sacco contribution. However, we have worked for the last six weeks without pay,” Mr Odhiambo said.

CLEANING STREETS

Mr Odhiambo said they have been clearing drainages and littered grounds, cleaning the streets and planting trees on a daily basis but have not been paid their dues.

“We have families we care for and the government must come to our aid. We are also asking our MP Ken Obura to intervene and ensure we are paid,” he said.

Kisumu Central Constituency Manager Nashon Ng’wena had a difficult time explaining to the youth the modalities for payments.

At one time, the demonstrating youth almost became violent when Mr Ng’wena attempted to eject them from the office compound.

Youth and women, who have been involved in the NYS projects across the country, have been working mainly in slum areas including: Kibera in Nairobi, Nyalenda, Obunga and Manyatta all in Kisumu City.